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Influence of Cold War in California (1) The Cold War affected socio-political and cultural development of California to a large degree. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the ideological confrontation with Soviet Union has shaped California to what it remains now. It is well known that the 60 % of states economy is related to technological industries. The technological boom in California began in 1960 and it was closely associated with so- called Silicon Valley. It is now largely forgotten that the progress in computer technology was originally initiated by the Ministry of Defense.
At the initial stages of their existence, such famous computer manufactures as Hewlett-Packard, Apple and IBM were heavily subsidized by the American military. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan were well aware that Soviet Union will not be able to win a technological competition with U. S. , therefore, the development of computer technology was given a priority. It is the constant threat of nuclear war that defined Silicon Valleys geographic location.
The headquarters of American largest defense corporations are located in, what it was thought to be, a comparatively safe area. This is because of its remoteness, which guaranteed that Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles would not be able to reach Silicon Valley. Even now, 40 % of jobs in California are related to the military industry. There are 39 military bases located in different parts of California. This number includes Army, Marine Corps and Air Force military installations. The number of men on active duty in California is 212. 000, which is much bigger than in any other state.
California's road building boom in sixties is also closely related to the Cold War. Back then it was strategically important for the American government to develop states transportation infrastructure, because that is where the government would move, in case of war. (2) The state of California is associated with the dramatic turn of events, related to the Presidential election in 1968. After Richard Nixon became an official candidate for the Presidential race from Republican Party, the Democrats were still debating on the issue of who would become the official nominee from their party. Robert Kennedy was being thought of as the strongest contestant, because people associated him with his older brother, who was able to gain an extraordinary popularity among Americans.
Everything depended on whether Robert Kennedy would be able to defeat Eugene McCarthy, during the California primary. On June 5, 1968 Kennedy was able to accomplish it, but he was being shot in the same day. If this did not happen, he would be running against Nixon, during the Presidential election. Many political analysts suggest that Kennedy would most definitely win this election, leaving Nixon far behind. There is a theory, according to which, the reason why Robert Kennedys assassination took place in California, was because the political right was being interested in destroying California's image as leftist heaven. It is very remarkable that, after Nixon became President, the political sympathies of Californians began to shift towards the right, resulting in situation when California became to be known as the stronghold of Republican Party.
In sixties and seventies, the Liberalism was being associated with Communism. This was the most immediate effect of the Cold War. Because of this, many Californians, who considered themselves as Liberals, started to doubt the validity of their own political opinions. By 1980, California was being considered as one of the most conservative states in America, even though that, as recent as 1965, this state used to attract a marginalized elements from all over the America, because of the alleged liberalism of Californians. (3) The cultural effects of Cold War in California resulted in peoples spiritual alienation, especially during sixties and seventies, which often expressed itself in the form of violent confrontations.
The so-called cultural revolution in America, started out in California in 1961, when Allen Ginsberg called for the non-violent resistance, at Berkley University. This signified the beginning of hippies and beatniks movement, as cultural phenomenon. During this time, California had the most liberal laws, in regards of drugs abuse. This resulted in many people moving to this state, hoping to attain a true freedom. California has always been famous for its gorgeous beaches. The relative political freedom and proximity to the ocean resulted in creating another counter culture surfers.
But it was the apocalyptical feeling, related to the threat of nuclear war, that made people to enjoy their lives to the fullest. But there was another part of population, which considered such behavior as socially irresponsible. It consisted of people who went through the war, who took the patriotic values close to heart, who knew that the spiritual degeneracy might appear to be pleasant to the eye, but its essence remains destructive. It is the members of motorcycle clubs that became ultimately associated with cultural anti-Liberalism and anti-Communism. Throughout the time of Cold War, bikers served as the guardians of public morality and mental health, without even realizing it. It was them who were periodically giving beatniks a well deserved beating.
The number of Hells Angels has always been insignificant, comparing to the number of those who promoted spiritual degeneracy. But every time Hells Angels crushed at flower children gatherings, it would mean that such gathering would never take place again. Californian cultural life, during the Cold War, reflected socio-political trends in America, at the time. We are very fortunate that international Communism failed to achieve its goals. Because of this, our nation will never be politically divided to the degree; it used to be, during the Cold War.
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Research essay sample on Influence Of Cold War In California
